How to Access Files on a RAID Disk Without Functional NAS Instek NR5400-3U: Practical Steps

Has your NAS Instek NR5400-3U suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

How to Access Files on a RAID Disk Without Functional NAS Instek NR5400-3U: Practical Steps

Instek NR5400-3U NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an NR5400-3U. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

How to Access Files on a RAID Disk Without Functional NAS Instek NR5400-3U: Practical Steps

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID

Conventional hard drives store user data by writing it sequentially across the disk surface, which means an entire file is typically located on a single drive. In contrast, when data is written to a RAID array, each file is split into multiple fragments. These fragments are then distributed and written in sequence across all the drives in the array. Depending on the configuration, fragment sizes can range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so every file is physically stored across several disks at once.

This approach significantly increases read and write performance — after all, writing two halves of a 1 GB file to two drives simultaneously is much faster than writing the full 1 GB to a single disk. However, this same mechanism makes file recovery far more complex.

Different RAID levels use different methods to distribute and protect data. On top of that, manufacturers like Instek often add their own proprietary structures and variations. As a result, data can be written to disks in many different formats, and each requires a specific approach during recovery.

Are there any precautions to take while replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS Instek NR5400-3U devices?

While replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS Instek NR5400-3U devices, there are a few precautions you should take:

  1. Backup your data: Before replacing or upgrading the hard drives, make sure to backup all your important data to a separate storage device or cloud storage. This will ensure that you don't lose any data during the process.
  2. Power off the device: Before opening the NAS enclosure, power off the device and disconnect it from the power source. This will prevent any electrical accidents or damage to the device.
  3. Follow manufacturer's instructions: Consult the user manual or documentation provided by Instek for specific instructions on how to replace or upgrade the hard drives in their NAS device. Each device may have slightly different procedures, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
  4. Use compatible hard drives: Ensure that the hard drives you are replacing or upgrading with are compatible with the NAS device. Check the specifications and requirements provided by Instek to ensure compatibility.
  5. Handle drives with care: When handling the hard drives, be careful not to drop them or expose them to static electricity. Use proper anti-static precautions, such as grounding yourself and handling the drives on an anti-static mat or surface.
  6. Install drives correctly: When installing the new hard drives, make sure to securely connect the SATA cables and power cables. Ensure that the drives are properly seated in their respective drive bays and that all connections are secure.
  7. Initialize and configure the new drives: Once the new drives are installed, you may need to initialize and configure them within the NAS device's operating system. Follow the instructions provided by Instek to properly set up the new drives.
  8. Test and verify: After the replacement or upgrade is complete, power on the NAS device and test the functionality of the new drives. Verify that they are recognized by the device and perform any necessary testing or configuration to ensure they are functioning properly.

By following these precautions, you can minimize the risk of data loss or damage to the NAS device while replacing or upgrading hard drives.

How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS NR5400-3U can be accessed over the network, you still need to remove its hard disks and connect them directly to a Windows PC. Only then can the recovery software properly scan and analyze the drives. Follow these steps:

  1. Power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source.

    WARNING! Before removing any drives, carefully read the device manual. Improper actions may damage both the NAS enclosure and the hard disks in the RAID array.

  2. Remove the hard disks one by one, gently sliding each drive out of its slot. Remember that hard disks are highly sensitive: any impact or drop can cause serious physical damage.

  3. Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.

  4. Connect the drives to your computer. In this video, we explain which ports you can use to connect hard disks and what to do if your PC does not have enough free connectors.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Instek NR5400-3U. Each hard disk in the array contains technical metadata describing how files were written. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery analyzes this metadata, automatically reconstructs the damaged array, and provides access to its contents. After that, you can browse the recovered disk and save your files. The program can also restore files that were accidentally deleted from the network drive.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Instek

How to recover data from a Instek

NR5400-3U has 12 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 50;
  • RAID 60;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
  • NTFS / ReFS;
  • APFS / HFS+;
  • Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
  • VMFS / HikvisionFS;

How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images

This utility allows you to create a complete copy of a disk and work with the disk image instead of the physical drive. This approach helps protect your data from:

  • Overwriting during the recovery process;
  • Additional data loss caused by bad sectors;
  • User errors.

To create a disk image, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.

  2. In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.

  3. When the Image Creation Wizard opens, select whether you want to save the entire disk or only a specific region. Adjust the settings and click Next.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  4. Choose the directory where the image will be saved. You may select any available disk connected to your PC or upload the image via FTP.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Instek NR5400-3U network-attached storage keeps OS Linux operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS NR5400-3U, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Charlton Mossman
    Charlton Mossman 3.09.2023 22:06 #
    Are there any specific encryption keys or passwords required for data recovery from encrypted NAS Instek NR5400-3U devices?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 3.09.2023 22:11 #

      I apologize, but I'm unable to provide you with the specific encryption keys or passwords required for data recovery from encrypted NAS Instek NR5400-3U devices. It's best to consult the device's documentation or contact Instek support for assistance with data recovery from encrypted NAS devices.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the steps to access files on the NAS Instek NR5400-3U from a remote location?

    To access files on the NAS Instek NR5400-3U from a remote location, follow these steps:

    1. Ensure that the NAS is connected to a network with internet access and has a valid IP address.
    2. Configure port forwarding on your router to forward the necessary ports to the NAS. The default ports for NAS access are TCP 80 (HTTP) and TCP 443 (HTTPS). Consult your router's documentation for instructions on how to set up port forwarding.
    3. Obtain the public IP address of your router. You can use websites like whatismyip.com to find out your public IP address.
    4. Open a web browser on your remote device and enter the public IP address of your router followed by the forwarded port number (e.g., http://public_ip_address:80 or https://public_ip_address:443).
    5. You should be redirected to the login page of the NAS. Enter your username and password to log in.
    6. Once logged in, you should have access to the NAS interface, where you can navigate through the file structure and access your files remotely.

    Note: It is recommended to set up secure access by enabling HTTPS and using a strong password for your NAS to ensure data security. Additionally, some routers may require additional configuration or have different steps for port forwarding, so refer to your specific router's documentation for detailed instructions.

  • What are the security measures in place to ensure safe access to files on the NAS Instek NR5400-3U from a remote location?

    The Instek NR5400-3U NAS (Network Attached Storage) device likely includes several security measures to ensure safe access to files from a remote location. While the specific security features may vary, here are some common measures typically found in NAS devices:

    1. User Authentication: The NAS device would require users to authenticate themselves before accessing files remotely. This authentication can be in the form of username and password, or more advanced methods like two-factor authentication (2FA).
    2. Secure Remote Access Protocols: The NAS device would support secure remote access protocols such as Secure Shell (SSH) or Secure Socket Layer (SSL) to establish an encrypted connection between the remote user and the NAS device. This encryption helps protect the data transmitted over the network.
    3. Virtual Private Network (VPN): The NAS device may support VPN connectivity, allowing remote users to establish a secure and encrypted connection to the local network where the NAS resides. VPNs provide an added layer of security by encrypting all traffic between the remote user and the NAS device.
    4. Firewall and Intrusion Detection/Prevention System (IDS/IPS): The NAS device might have built-in firewall capabilities to filter and monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic. Additionally, an IDS/IPS system may be in place to detect and prevent any unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activities.
    5. Access Control Lists (ACLs): NAS devices often provide access control mechanisms where administrators can define specific permissions and restrictions for individual users or user groups. This allows fine-grained control over who can access which files and folders remotely.
    6. Data Encryption: The NAS device may offer data encryption options to secure the files stored on the device. This can include encryption at rest, where the data is encrypted on the storage media, as well as encryption in transit, where the data is encrypted when being accessed remotely.
    7. Automatic Updates and Patch Management: Regular firmware updates and security patches are crucial to address any vulnerabilities. The NAS device should have mechanisms in place to automatically update its software and firmware to ensure it remains secure against emerging threats.

    It is important to note that the specific security measures and features may vary depending on the model and firmware version of the Instek NR5400-3U NAS device. It is recommended to consult the device's documentation or contact the manufacturer for detailed information about the security measures implemented in the specific model.

  • Are there any limitations or restrictions when accessing files on the NAS Instek NR5400-3U from a remote location?

    Yes, there may be limitations or restrictions when accessing files on the NAS Instek NR5400-3U from a remote location. Some common limitations or restrictions include:

    1. Network Speed: The speed of file access and transfer may be limited by the internet connection speed at both the remote location and the NAS device's location. Slow internet speeds can result in slower file access and transfer.
    2. Bandwidth Limitations: If multiple users are accessing the NAS remotely, the available bandwidth may be shared among them, potentially leading to slower access speeds for each user.
    3. Firewall and Port Forwarding: If the NAS is located behind a firewall or a router, proper port forwarding configuration may be required to allow remote access. Without proper configuration, accessing the NAS from a remote location may not be possible.
    4. Security Settings: The NAS may have security settings that restrict remote access for certain users or IP addresses. These settings may need to be adjusted to allow remote access.
    5. VPN or Dynamic DNS: If the NAS has a dynamic IP address, remote access may require the use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or a dynamic DNS (Domain Name System) service to ensure consistent and secure access.
    6. User Permissions: The NAS may have user permissions and access controls that restrict certain users from accessing specific files or directories remotely.

    It is recommended to consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer's support for specific information regarding limitations or restrictions when accessing files on the NAS Instek NR5400-3U from a remote location.